In this op-ed, SiriusXM host and political commentator Xorje Olivares explains the significance for the Latinx community of Tejano leader Julián Castro’s presidential run.

Julián Castro, a Democratic presidential nominee hopeful for the 2020 election, received some prime-time love last week when CNN broadcast an hour-long town hall event featuring the Latinx politician talking about a myriad of policy positions, including immigration, education, and reparations for descendants of enslaved people in the United States.

Castro is a proud Mexican-American and Tejano, or Texan of Mexican descent, hailing from San Antonio, Texas. The 44-year-old father of two is one of a select few candidates campaigning with executive experience, having served as his hometown’s mayor from 2009-2014, a position he left to become then-president Barack Obama’s secretary of housing and urban development. That appointment came after a rousing keynote address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, which many referenced when he was floated as a potential 2016 vice-presidential pick for Hillary Clinton.

Among a growing list of diverse contenders, Julián remains the only Latinx vying for the Oval Office right now — a fact that seems to get glossed over by pundits obsessed with personalities and polling numbers, and less concerned with the significance of real representation for an ever-growing demographic. I’d argue that his background positions him nicely to be a credible critic moving forward of Republican policies, especially as President Donald Trump obsesses over immigration.

While Trump was reportedly busy accepting millions in donations, Castro was appealing to what his camp estimates was a crowd of 600 supporters and potential benefactors. He acknowledged the significance of his candidacy,, noting that it comes at a time when the Latinx community feels targeted by the current presidential administration. As someone who grew up on the border, I see Castro as a new kind of politician, one combating perceived bigotry by presenting sharp ideas and moral understanding, going beyond racial and ethnic identity, like supporting universal pre-K, Medicare for All, a renewal of the assault weapons ban, and combatting the effects of climate change. He’s no stranger to criticizing Trump’s treatment of Latinx people, and sees his vision as the antithesis of the anti-immigrant agenda currently underway.

The lifelong Texan, whose grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, roused the San Antonio crowd by highlighting the benefits of welcoming immigrant communities to the state, touting his comprehensive “People First” immigration plan, which, among other things, calls for ending immigration detention and classifying undocumented migration as a civil, not criminal, offense.

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Castro’s passion matches the flame that now serves as the accent mark atop his name on logos and marketing materials that appear at his campaign events. It’s about time we talk about and celebrate that accent, which notes the correct Spanish pronunciation of who-lee-AHN.

That small punctuation mark in Castro’s name serves as a powerful example of nonwhite visibility, particularly for Latinx people, in a presidential race where the country is now vetting Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, and John Hickenlooper, after electing Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

Castro referenced the significance of the accent mark last fall, telling The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah that it “would be the first time that anybody has run for president with...an accent over a letter.” It represents “who you are, and you should run as who you are,” he said.

Castro is undoubtedly proud, and it’s refreshing to see my community represented in a candidate. At last Wednesday’s rally, he not only featured a local mariachi band, but his team started promoting merchandise that depicts Julián as a caricature normally found on Lotería, or Mexican bingo, cards, a character he calls “El Presidente.” And to prove he’s playing his cards right with younger generations of Latinx constituents, Castro made the culturally specific decision to conclude his presidential announcement in January with a song by iconic Tejano superstar Selena. He knows that incorporating music by La Reina de la Cumbia into his now similarly historic narrative will win over die-hard fans like me.

Castro has said that he hopes Latinx children will aspire to follow his lead since holding such dreams are a part of “the beauty of our country.” That beauty, for me, includes a Tejano of humble beginnings getting the chance to share his perspective on a national stage, while simultaneously receiving recognition for being present in the first place.

This may be unprecedented in the political sphere, but this is familiar and welcome territory for a fellow Tejano like me. For years, I’ve wanted to see myself reflected in elected officials. I’ve wanted someone who knows the music, food, and language associated with our unique identity. Thankfully, Castro is emphasizing our heritage this campaign season, and an excited Latinx electorate is certainly watching.